Free Women on Gor

When role-playing a Free Woman on Gor, it is essential to maintain dignity and composure, reflecting the societal norms and values of Gor. Free Women should dress modestly, understand their significant yet distinct roles, and interact with men in a reserved and formal manner. Awareness of legal and social consequences, protecting one's honor, and having a good grasp of Gorean laws are crucial for creating an authentic character.

Cheat Sheet

• Maintain Dignity and Composure: Free Women are expected to maintain a high level of dignity and composure. Avoid behaviors that would be considered unseemly or inappropriate for a Free Woman.
• Dress Appropriately: Free Women typically wear modest and elaborate clothing, often including veils. Ensure your character's attire reflects her status and the cultural norms of Gor.
• Understand the Role of Free Women: Free Women hold a significant but different role compared to men. They are often involved in the management of households, education, and sometimes in the arts or trade, depending on their caste.
• Interactions with Men: Free Women should interact with men in a manner that reflects their societal status. They are often more reserved and formal in their interactions compared to men.

Be aware of the legal and social consequences of your actions. Free Women are subject to strict societal rules, and violations can lead to severe penalties, including enslavement.

• Role in the Community: Free Women often play a crucial role in the community, whether through social events, education, or other community activities. Engage in these aspects to enrich your role-play experience.
• Protecting Honor: A Free Woman's honor is paramount. Avoid situations that could compromise your character's honor or reputation.
• Knowledge of Gorean Laws: Free Women should have a good understanding of Gorean laws and customs, especially those that pertain to their rights and responsibilities.

If you wish to remain free, the best advice I can give you is: Mind your manners.
Ladies get respect, bitches get collars.

Societal Structure and Roles

Caste System: The caste system on Gor is a rigid and hierarchical structure that dictates the social status and occupation of almost every free person in the cities of Gor. Free women, like men, belong to specific castes, which significantly influence their behavior, status, and interactions. High Castes, such as the Physicians, Scribes, Builders, and Initiates, hold more prestige and power, while Low Castes, such as the Peasants and Artisans, have less influence but are still integral to the societal fabric.

Roles and Responsibilities: Free women on Gor fulfill various roles depending on their caste and personal circumstances. They can hold positions of power, manage businesses, and own property. As Free Companions, they enter into contractual relationships akin to marriage, which can be renewed annually. Additionally, free women often take on the roles of mothers and caregivers, contributing to the continuity and stability of Gorean society.

Physical Combat: Free Women are generally not expected to engage in physical combat. The societal norms of Gor place them in roles that are more domestic and less combative. However, the idea of fighting can evoke a range of emotions. The prospect of physical combat can be terrifying for Free Women, as they are not typically trained or expected to fight. The fear of injury or death is a significant concern.

Reactive Desperation: Free Women who do not feel protected by their family, companion, or Home Stone might engage in extreme behavior as a reflection of their fear. The lack of security and support can lead to heightened anxiety and desperation, driving them to take drastic measures to ensure their safety. This might include forming secret alliances, seeking protection from less reputable sources, or even attempting to learn self-defense skills despite societal norms. Such behavior is often a manifestation of their deep-seated fear and vulnerability, highlighting the critical importance of protection and support in their lives.

Being Outlawed: Being outlawed is a severe punishment on Gor, stripping individuals of their legal protections and making them vulnerable to capture or death. For Free Women, the idea of being outlawed is particularly harrowing. Being outlawed leaves Free Women without the protection of their caste and community, making them extremely vulnerable to exploitation and violence. The loss of status and identity that comes with being outlawed is devastating, as Free Women take great pride in their social standing. Outlawed Free Women may experience desperation as they struggle to survive without the support and resources they once had, leading to extreme measures to ensure their safety and well-being.

Being Enslaved: The threat of enslavement is a constant fear for Free Women on Gor. Enslavement represents the ultimate loss of freedom and autonomy. The idea of being enslaved is horrifying for Free Women, as it involves a complete loss of autonomy and subjugation to the will of others. The humiliation of being reduced to a slave is a profound fear. Enslavement strips Free Women of their dignity and respect, reducing them to property and undermining their sense of self-worth and identity. While some Free Women may resign themselves to their fate if enslaved, others may resist fiercely, holding onto their sense of self and dignity as long as possible.

Legal and Social Norms

Legal Rights and Restrictions: Free women have specific legal rights, including the ability to own property and manage businesses. However, they are also subject to the laws of their city and the overarching societal norms of Gor. These laws can impose restrictions on their behavior and interactions, particularly concerning their relationships with men and slaves.

Free Companionship: The institution of Free Companionship is the Gorean equivalent of marriage but is less binding. These relationships are contractual and can be renewed annually or dissolved easily. Free Companionships reflect the less rigid nature of personal relationships on Gor, allowing for flexibility and personal autonomy within the bounds of societal expectations.

Gender Dynamics and Interactions

Interactions with Men: Free women are expected to interact with men with a certain level of respect and courtesy. However, they are always at risk of punishment or enslavement if they insult or mistreat men, especially those with whom they do not share a Home Stone. The dynamics between free women and men are complex, involving a balance of respect, dominance, and societal norms.

Interactions with Slaves: Free women often exhibit disdain and cruelty towards kajirae (female slaves). This behavior is partly due to societal norms that place free women above slaves in the social hierarchy. Free women may also feel threatened by the beauty and submissiveness of slaves, leading to harsher treatment to assert their own status and power.

Sexuality and Comportment

A great quote on the sexuality and comportment of high caste and low caste free women?

From Conspirators of Gor. I was not a free woman, a person, a citizen, the possessor of a Home Stone. I was not a proud creature of dignity and station. I was not the sort of woman who was to be treated with esteem and respect, even awe, to whom would be accorded the many honors befitting her position. I was not veiled in public, that men might not look upon my beauty. I was not wrapped in the lengthy, ornate folds of the Robes of Concealment, that the lineaments of my figure should not betray the delicate canons of modesty, or no more so than might provoke inevitable speculation. I was not encircled with conventions and formalities; I was not one for whom strong men were to step deferently aside, who might be carried in a palanquin, for whom ways were to be cleared, one who was expected, I gathered, at least if of high caste, to speak boldly, even sharply, and with haughty contempt, one expected to hold oneself, and move, in stately disdain, one mighty in presence and power. I had gathered from the instructresses that such women, certainly those of high caste, of such exalted nobility, so taken with themselves, commonly prided themselves on their self-containment, their self-control, their freedom from many human weaknesses, their superiority to many of the elements commonly found in the nature of the female. In particular, many felt they must, as persons, view themselves as above a variety of allegedly lower, or baser, considerations. Accordingly, they would compete with one another, it seems, each attempting to outdo the other with respect to their imperviousness to the liabilities commonly associated with a lower nature, an animal nature. Many, I gathered, particularly of high caste, held themselves superior to sex, which they professed to find demeaning. It is difficult, I supposed, to regard oneself as an equal to, or a superior of, a male when one is smaller, softer, and weaker, and finds oneself clasped in the arms of such a beast, helpless, unable to free oneself, its prisoner, one’s softness clasped forcibly, mercilessly, to its hardness, the beast beside itself in its rage of possession and joy. And how unfree then should she feel herself if she sensed what it might be, so held, to be owned and mastered? How she must resist her body, her dispositions, her inclinations, her desires, her emotions, her feelings, lest they betray her, lest they threaten treason to her dignity and personhood. Accordingly, it was said that amongst many free women the taint of carnality was to be eschewed, even violently, as a thing of embarrassment and shame, unworthy of a free woman. One’s slave is to be denied, hysterically, if necessary. To acknowledge her, is it not to acknowledge that one should be suitably collared, that one is already, so to speak, in the collar. Accordingly, when the society’s demands were to be met, and the more embarrassing, regrettable aspects of companionship satisfied, those having to do with matchings, lines, alliances, and such, the proper free woman was to enter into carnal congress with disdain, resignation, and reluctance, or feigned disdain, resignation, and reluctance, insisting, at least, that such lamentable congress be as brief as possible, and take place in complete darkness, preferably while substantially clothed, and surely beneath coverlets. To be sure, theory and profession were one thing, and reality another. Upper-caste women doubtless were subject to the same needs and drives as other women, and I would learn that affairs and assignations were not infrequent amongst them, and that many free women, particularly those most sensitive to the demands of their codes, who had most internalized society’s expectations with respect to their behavior, often lived a life of frustration, loneliness, and misery, speaking the secrets of their needs only to the silence of damp, tear-stained pillows. Demands on lower-caste women, on the other hand, were less, as befitted their inferior status, and such women were more likely to enjoy a life of open flirtation, even of comparative vulgarity and bawdiness. Indeed, it was often thought that lower-caste women, for all their jollity and looseness, or perhaps in virtue of it, commonly tended to live a more genuinely satisfactory life than their sisters of the higher, nobler castes. To be sure, much depends on the particular woman, the caste, the city, and sometimes, I understand, even the neighborhood or district within the city, as a Gorean city, as many cities, often contains a medley of subcultures.

High Caste Free Women

High caste Free Women are often encircled with conventions and formalities. They are expected to speak boldly, even sharply, and with haughty contempt. They hold themselves and move with stately disdain, mighty in presence and power. They pride themselves on their self-containment, self-control, and freedom from many human weaknesses. They view themselves as superior to many elements commonly found in the nature of the female.

Many high caste Free Women hold themselves superior to sex, which they profess to find demeaning. They resist their body, dispositions, inclinations, desires, emotions, and feelings to maintain their dignity and personhood. The taint of carnality is to be eschewed, even violently, as a thing of embarrassment and shame. When engaging in carnal congress, they do so with disdain, resignation, and reluctance, insisting it be brief, in complete darkness, and preferably while substantially clothed and beneath coverlets. Despite their professions, upper-caste women are subject to the same needs and drives as other women, leading to affairs and assignations. Many high caste Free Women live a life of frustration, loneliness, and misery, speaking the secrets of their needs only to the silence of damp, tear-stained pillows.

Low Caste Free Women

Low caste Free Women on Gor experience different societal expectations and freedoms compared to their high caste counterparts. The demands on lower-caste women are less stringent, as befitted their inferior status. They are more likely to enjoy a life of open flirtation and may engage in comparative vulgarity and bawdiness. Unlike high caste women, low caste women tend to be less fastidious about veiling. While some may emulate high caste women, others veil themselves more casually or loosely, exposing more of their features. On hot days, it is not uncommon for some low caste women to eschew the veil altogether, although this is rare.

In their daily lives, low caste women often perform labor-intensive tasks and may not always wear veils while working. Good-looking girls of low caste sometimes go about unveiled deliberately, hoping to catch the eye of a slaver and perhaps be sold into a high household or come into the chains of a handsome, well-to-do master. This reflects a pragmatic approach to improving their circumstances, even if it means entering slavery under more favorable conditions.

Additionally, low caste Free Women may experience a different kind of social interaction and freedom. They are more likely to frequent public places without the same level of scrutiny or expectation of propriety that high caste women face. This allows them a certain degree of social mobility and interaction that is less constrained by the rigid norms of high caste society.

Free Women from Caste-less Cultures

Free Women from caste-less cultures such as Torvaldsland, the Alar, the Tuchuk, the Rencers, and the Red Savages have distinct societal norms and freedoms compared to their high and low caste counterparts. These women often exhibit a blend of independence, resilience, and adaptability, shaped by the unique demands of their environments. They are more involved in the daily activities and labor of their communities, often taking on roles that require physical endurance and skill. These women are expected to be strong and capable, reflecting the practical and often harsh realities of their lives.

In terms of sexual relationships, Free Women from these cultures tend to have a more pragmatic view compared to high caste women. They approach relationships with a sense of duty and mutual respect, often valuing strength and capability in their partners. While they may experience a blend of freedom and constraint, they navigate their roles with a balance of respect and deference, driven by the necessity of cooperation and mutual support. These women often enjoy a degree of social mobility and interaction that is less constrained by rigid societal norms, allowing them to adapt and thrive in their unique cultural contexts.

Cultural Practices and Norms

Personal Appearance: Free women on Gor, particularly those of high caste, are almost always veiled in public. The veil is a significant part of their attire, serving to distinguish them from slaves and protect their modesty. The removal of a free woman's veil is a momentous event, often associated with her capture or enslavement.

Public Behavior: Free women are expected to maintain a certain decorum in public. This includes their posture, eating habits, and participation in public events. They must navigate societal expectations while asserting their own identity and status within the constraints of Gorean norms.

Mindset and Philosophy

Honor and Respect: Honor and respect are paramount in the lives of free women on Gor. These values guide their actions and interactions, ensuring they uphold the dignity and status of their caste and city. Free women must navigate a complex social landscape, balancing personal desires with societal expectations.

Rhetoric vs. Reality: The rhetoric surrounding free women often portrays them as proud, haughty, and independent. However, the reality of their lives is shaped by the societal structure and the prevalence of slavery on Gor. Free women must constantly assert their status while being aware of the ever-present risk of enslavement.

Role-Playing Challenges

Limitations and Opportunities: Role-playing as a free woman on Gor involves embracing specific limitations based on caste, gender, and societal status. These limitations can enhance the role-playing experience by making it more realistic and challenging. Creative and realistic role-play scenarios that go beyond combat and tavern settings can provide a richer and more immersive experience.

Slaves

In the Gorean novels, Free Women often assert their authority and superiority over both female and male slaves. Female slaves are typically subjected to strict commands and expected to show immediate obedience. Free Women have the right to discipline and punish female slaves, which can range from verbal reprimands to physical punishment. Jealousy and rivalry, especially towards beautiful or favored female slaves, can lead to harsher treatment.

Male slaves, on the other hand, are controlled and dominated, often used for labor or personal service. While Free Women maintain a level of respect and distance with male slaves, their treatment is largely utilitarian, focusing on the tasks they can perform and their usefulness. Male silk slaves, who are kept for their beauty and sexual services, are treated with a mix of control and indulgence. Free Women may use them for personal pleasure, but they are still expected to remain submissive and obedient, reflecting the complex dynamics of power and control in Gorean society.

Reality with Female Slaves

Constantly treating female slaves with jealousy and dislike can be emotionally exhausting. As mentioned in the "Mindset and Philosophy" section, the rhetoric versus reality of a Free Woman's opinion on slaves can vary dramatically. High-caste, un-companioned, and insecure Free Women are likely to have much different interactions compared to low-caste Free Women who are in happy companionships with children.

However, there are several ways to communicate positive feelings using negative language:

• If a slave you like is being sold, you can express your displeasure by saying, "I am very annoyed with you for getting yourself sold. If I didn't have anything better to do, I'd beat you."
• When a slave does something you like, you might after eating most of a dessert say, "I'm done with this sweet; it was terrible. I think you should finish eating it."
• For a particularly well behaved slave, it's acceptable to treat her like a favorite domesticated animal, as that is what she is in the context of Gorean society.

Examples from History and Fiction

• Victorian Women (19th Century England): Victorian women were often confined to the domestic sphere, expected to uphold strict social norms and moral standards. They were typically involved in managing the household and were subject to the authority of their husbands or male relatives.

• Geisha (Historical Japan): Geisha were women trained in traditional Japanese arts, including music, dance, and conversation. While they held a certain level of respect and cultural significance, their lives were highly regulated, and they operated within strict societal boundaries.

• Medieval Noblewomen: Noblewomen in medieval Europe were often confined to their castles, responsible for managing the household and estates. They had limited personal freedom and were expected to adhere to strict social norms and fulfill their roles as wives and mothers.

• Sansa Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin): Sansa Stark starts as a naive young girl who dreams of being a lady and marrying a prince. Throughout the series, she learns to navigate the dangerous political landscape, often constrained by her status and the expectations placed upon her as a noblewoman.

• Eowyn (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien): Eowyn is a noblewoman of Rohan who feels constrained by her role and yearns for the freedom to fight and make a difference. Her struggle against societal expectations and her desire for a more active role reflect the tensions faced by Free Women on Gor. (Note: This is a good example of the struggle, but note, the average women would not want to actually fight.)

• Catelyn Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin): Catelyn Stark is a noblewoman who is deeply involved in the management of her household and the well-being of her family. Her actions are often constrained by her duties and the expectations of her social status, yet she remains a strong and influential figure within her family.

• Lady Jessica (Dune by Frank Herbert): Lady Jessica is a member of the Bene Gesserit and the concubine of Duke Leto Atreides. She navigates a complex web of political intrigue and societal expectations, often constrained by her role and the strictures of the Bene Gesserit order.

Conclusion

In summary, free women on Gor occupy a unique and complex position within the societal structure. Their roles, legal rights, societal expectations, and cultural practices are distinct and must be understood to create an authentic character. Embracing the complexity and depth of Gorean society in role-playing can lead to a more immersive and rewarding experience.